The lowdown truth

A few days ago, I went to my doctor for a six-month checkup and physical examination.

His assistant, weighing me and checking my height, showed I had lost 6 inches in stature.

Now I admit that would not be considered much for a tall person, but it is a significant amount for short fellows like me.

I immediately thought of paraphrasing the old hymn “Higher Ground” with these words: “I’m pressing on the downward way, more height I’m losing every day. Still praying, as I onward bound, ever closer to the ground, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

At my “highest” time in life, I was only 5 feet, 8 inches tall.

I come from a long line of great, but not tall, people.

My mother and grandmother were 4 feet, 11 inches. My father and all of my uncles, with the exception of one or two aunts, uncles and cousins, were no taller than 5 feet, 8 inches.

As with me, height-wise, “they could not see ‘eye-to-eye’ with many tall persons,” but because of great attitudes, cooperative spirits and love toward others, they could work agreeably and accomplish many wonderful things for the good of all.

To be physically tall is a useful asset for many, but to be right of heart and spirit is no less a blessing.